Contents

Early life

Seacrest was born on December 24, 1974, in Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in the suburb of Dunwoody,[5] the son of Constance Marie (née Zullinger), a homemaker, and Gary Lee Seacrest, a real estate lawyer.[6][7] His mother told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Instead of playing with G.I. Joes or Cowboys and Indians, [Ryan] would always have a little microphone and do shows in the house."[8]

At age 14, he attended Dunwoody High School. At age 16, while still attending high school, Seacrest won an internship at WSTR (FM), in Atlanta, with Tom Sullivan, who trained him in the many aspects of radio. When the regular DJ called in sick, Sullivan put him on the air for the very first show of his broadcasting career.[9] Seacrest was given the weekend overnight shift at WSTR.[8]

Seacrest continued to work on air at WSTR until graduating from Dunwoody High School in 1992.[10] Seacrest went on to study journalism at the University of Georgia in fall 1992. He continued his radio show at a local Athens station. Seacrest left the university at age 19 and moved to Hollywood to pursue his broadcasting career.[8]

In 2002, Seacrest accepted the position as co-host of a new Fox reality television series American Idol with comedian Brian Dunkleman. American Idol went on to success, putting Seacrest in the national spotlight. The following year, he became the sole host. When the show increased in popularity, seen by some 26 million viewers weekly, Seacrest became recognizable around the world. In 2003, Seacrest hosted the spin-off show, American Juniors.[14] In July 2009, Seacrest inked a deal with CKX for $45 million to continue to host American Idol, making him the highest paid reality television host to date.[15] In April 2012, Seacrest signed a two-year, $30 million deal to stay on as host of American Idol.[16] In May 2014, Deadline.com reported that he had signed a one-year deal with the option of another year.[17]

New Year's Rockin' Eve

In August 2005, it was announced that Seacrest would become executive producer and co-host of ABC's Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. On December 31, 2005, Seacrest performed much of the show's hosting duties. Dick Clark's role was limited by speech and mobility issues due to his recovery from a stroke. Seacrest also occasionally served as a substitute host on the CNN television program Larry King Live, and co-emceedLarry King's final show with Bill Maher on December 16, 2010.[18] In 2009, ABC renamed the program Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest, to reflect Seacrest's role. The 40th Dick Clark’s New Year's Rockin’ Eve, co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest, delivered ABC’s biggest New Years' numbers in twelve years, with 22.6 million viewers.[19]

When Dick Clark died, Seacrest publicly remembered his mentor's impact on his life in a special tribute in The Hollywood Reporter.[20] After Clark's death, Seacrest hosted the 2013 edition of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with co-hosts Jenny McCarthy and Fergie paying tribute to Dick Clark in the pre-show.[21] In October 2013, Seacrest signed a multi-year contract extension with Dick Clark Productions to continue as host and executive producer of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.[22]

Television producing

Seacrest in September 2012

In January 2006, US cable channel E! announced a three-year, $21 million deal for Seacrest to host and produce various programs, including E! News and its red carpet awards show coverages (E!'s signature piece of original programming).[25] That same year, Seacrest launched Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP); in August 2008, Seacrest named his longtime William Morris Agent, Adam Sher, as CEO.[26]Comcast had first-look rights for all RSP shows through January 2012.[27]Clear Channel acquired a minority stake in RSP in early 2012, but the company no longer has a first look deal with any network.[28]

Seacrest remains managing editor of E! News and produces its red carpet awards show coverage but no longer hosts (since January 2012) E! News on a daily basis.[29]

In April 2012, Seacrest signed a deal with NBCUniversal expanding his on-air role beyond E! to NBC. He contributed to the Today Show, Olympics coverage, entertainment programming, as well as news and other special events. Seacrest will remain managing editor of E! News and host and produce its red carpet awards show coverage.[30]